National Communication Adviser for Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy
Terms of Reference
1. Background
The anti-corruption reform process still needs to be completed, and there are still significant shortcomings in the fight against corruption. Ukraine continues to trail far behind other European countries on the various corruption indicators, and few high-profile cases have so far ended in the needed convictions.
Based on the significant results of the joint Danish and EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI) in Phase I 2017-2020, Denmark and the EU engaged in a second phase of the program aimed at sustaining existing results and further expanding the support to newly established institutions, help to municipalities, civil society, media, and the business sector. The implementation period of the present action is from 24 May 2020 – 8 July 2024. EUACI Phase II builds on the Ukrainian anti-corruption reform agenda and is aligned with the vision of the Government of Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy (CAP) facilitates the work of the Parliament in terms of its legislative, oversight, and representation functions. The CAP is responsible for scrutinizing corruption-related legislation and monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption reforms. It oversees the policy implementation and screens the legislation for corruption risks.
It is worth highlighting that on 28 February 2022, the President of Ukraine submitted an official request to join the European Union. Formerly, the EU officials agreed to announce granting EU Candidate Status in June 2022. It means that in the nearest future, Ukraine will be actively involved in the EU integration activities related to the area of anti-corruption.
In view of that, in the recently approved working plan, EUACI agreed to support the Parliamentary Committee of Anti-Corruption Policy (CAP) in their efforts to promote necessary anti-corruption reforms related to EU integration responsibilities of Ukraine.
2. Objective
The main objective of technical support to be provided to the CAP within the framework of this engagement is to contribute to the effective communication of the Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy. The assignment will contribute towards this end by ensuring that the CAP operates with a clearly defined media and communication strategy, including by assisting the CAP in setting up a practical operational framework for communication-related activities. EUACI intends to make this contribution by signing a contract with a relevant professional service provider.
The National communication adviser will be dedicated to assisting the CAP in communicating the progress and achievements of anti-corruption reform in line with the international anti-corruption commitments of Ukraine.
3. Scope of work and expected deliverables
Scope of work
The National communication adviser will be working closely with the CAP management and EUACI for the fulfillment of the following tasks:
- Support in communicating the state of anticorruption reform and activities of the CAP related to European integration, as well as (if needed) assisting CAP in media advocacy of anticorruption reform;
- Conducting a situation analysis and assessing the detailed needs of the CAP related to external communications required for delivering planned communication activities;
- Prepare a draft media and communication strategy, describing the key stakeholders as well as actions that will be taken over the coming period;
- Preparing briefings, press conferences, press-releases, posts for social media, public comments, and statements on behalf of the Committee;
- Conducting on-the-job coaching sessions for the spokespersons assisting in effectively communicating key messages, polishing narratives, and preparing for public communications;
- Conducting general media monitoring and development of a media database;
- Guiding CAP leadership on how to react in crisis communications;
- Other tasks as assigned.
The adviser will be expected to work in close coordination with EUACI representatives and will be required to report on the implementation of tasks.
Expected deliverables
- CAP communication strategy;
- Briefings, press conferences, press releases, posts for social media, public comments, and statements.
- Communication training for CAP leadership.
- Other thematic documents, including briefing notes, minutes, and charts;
- A final report of a maximum of five pages, excluding annexes as the final deliverable. The report shall provide an assessment of the achievements made in relation to the scope of work and deliverables and any critical issues/recommendations for possible follow-up.
4. Timeline
The intended commencement date is the date of signature of the contract with the consultant, and the period of implementation of the contract will be 18 months, with a duration of 360 working days.
5. Professional Requirements
Education and Experience:
- A university degree in journalism or other related disciplines;
- 4 years of relevant professional experience as a communication expert or communication adviser, preferably with a focus on justice /the rule of law/anti-corruption field;
- Proven experience in conducting communication services;
- Knowledge of the media landscape of Ukraine is obligatory;
- Proven experience of being a spokesperson;
- Excellent analytical and communication skills;
- Previous experience working with/knowledge of anti-corruption reform in Ukraine will be considered an asset;
- Fluency in written and oral Ukrainian and English.
6. Monitoring and evaluation
Definition of indicators
The performance of the contractor will be judged upon reaching the purpose of this contract as well as obtaining its results, as indicated in the sections "Objective" and "Expected Deliverables" herein, respectively. Moreover, the performance of the contractors will be judged upon the successful implementation of all the specific activities indicated above.
Special requirements
By signing the contract, the contractor agrees to hold in trust and confidence any information or documents ("confidential information") disclosed to the contractors or discovered by the contractors or prepared by the contractors in the course of or as a result of the implementation of the contract, and agrees that it shall be used only for the contract implementation and shall not be disclosed to any third party.
The contractor reports to the EUACI. The contractor shall be briefed prior to starting the assignment. The contractor shall de-brief the EUACI prior to finalizing the assignment.
The contractor shall immediately inform the EUACI after 50% and again after 75% use of the overall foreseen working days under this contract.
7. Cross-cutting issues (integration of the youth, equal opportunities)
The project will be implemented, ensuring equal opportunities for men and women and integration of the youth.
HOW TO APPLY
The deadline for submitting the proposals is 24 January 2023, at 14:00 Kyiv time.
The qualifying candidates should submit the following information:
1) Expert’s CV
2) Expert’s daily rate
3) Motivation letter (one page).
The aforementioned information should be sent no later than the deadline indicated above to the following email andhni@um.dk, pointing in the subject line: National Communication Adviser for CAP.
Bidding language: English.